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Overview: Sunlenca is used in adults with HIV infection. It weakens the HIV-1 virus and slows down its ability to infect more cells. Common side effects of Sunlenca include nausea or injection site reactions such as pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site. Your treatment with Sunlenca will consist of oral tablets and injections. After starting treatment with a combination of oral tablets and injections, you will continue to be given injections under your skin every 6 months by your healthcare provider.

Uses

What is Sunlenca used for?

Sunlenca (lenacapavir) is commonly used to treat HIV infection in adults who have tried many HIV medicines before but are having trouble with their current treatment because it is not working, causes side effects, or is not safe for them. 

Sunlenca may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Learn more about Managing HIV With Sunlenca.

How does Sunlenca work (mechanism of action)?

Sunlenca works by blocking a key part of the HIV-1 virus called the capsid, which protects the virus. It stops the virus from entering cells, making new copies, and spreading. This helps slow down the infection and makes it harder for the virus to spread throughout the body.

How is Sunlenca supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Sunlenca

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 300 mg oral tablets
  • 463.5 mg/1.5 mL injection

How should I store Sunlenca?

Sunlenca oral tablets in both the bottle and blister packs should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Always keep the tablets in their original bottle or blister pack. Do not remove tablets from blister packs until ready to take. 

Sunlenca injection is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Sunlenca?

The most common side effects of Sunlenca are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea
  • Injection site reactions (see below)

There may be other side effects of Sunlenca that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Sunlenca?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Sunlenca are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sunlenca may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Sunlenca and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Immune System Changes. When you start Sunlenca, your immune system might get stronger and start fighting infections that have been hiding inside your body for a long time. The type of symptoms you may have will depend on the infection. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following new symptoms of infection.

  •  Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  •  Swollen lymph nodes
  •  Vision problems
  • Confusion, problems talking, or headache
  • Skin problems such as a painful rash or warts
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Weakness or coordination problems 

Injection Site Reactions. Sunlenca can cause unwanted reactions when given to you by injection. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice pain, itching, swelling, skin hardening, a small mass or lump, or redness near the injection site.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Sunlenca?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Sunlenca.

  • Sunlenca 
  • Lenacapavir
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Sunlenca.

Drug Interactions. Sunlenca should not be used while you are using certain other medicines. Before using Sunlenca, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.  See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about Sunlenca before using it?

There are multiple forms of Sunlenca available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

Long-term treatment with Sunlenca is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) by a healthcare provider every six months. When you start taking Sunlenca for the first time, you will take the oral tablets over two to 15 days. You may receive your first subcutaneous injection of Sunlenca when you start taking the oral tablets or when you finish the tablets.

Do not use Sunlenca unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Sunlenca with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Sunlenca out of the reach of children.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Sunlenca?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Sunlenca is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Sunlenca could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Sunlenca while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Sunlenca, you can sign up for the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) by calling 800-258-4263. This registry collects safety information about the use of HIV medications during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Sunlenca passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Sunlenca?

For more information about Sunlenca, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.sunlenca.com or call them at 800-226-2056.

Interactions

Does Sunlenca interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Sunlenca and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between Sunlenca and alcohol.

Does Sunlenca interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Sunlenca interacts with many other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Sunlenca?

If you or someone else has used too much Sunlenca, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Sunlenca?

Missing doses of Sunlenca can cause it to not work as well over time. So it is important not to miss or skip doses. 

Oral Tablets. If you miss a dose of Sunlenca oral tablets, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Injection Liquid. Sunlenca injection is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Sunlenca as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your Sunlenca injection dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.

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